Mizuho Economic Outlook & Analysis April 5, 2016 Japan’s population has started to shrink and polarize geographically The census reveals the concentration of people in large cities and city centers < Summary > ◆ The preliminary report on the 2015 population census of Japan was released on February 26, 2016. The report shows that Japan’s population declined for the first time since World War II, marking the advent of a depopulating society. ◆ Regional populations are moving further in the direction of polarization. While the populations of urban areas other than Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya continue to plunge, populations are rising in metropolitan areas functioning as local economic hubs. ◆ Population polarization is striking even among the three major metropolitan areas, with the tendency of people to return to city centers. The overall population of Osaka Prefecture dropped for the first time in 68 years, but the population surged in central Osaka City. Mizuho Research Institute Ltd. Yutaka Okada, Senior Researcher, Research Department – Public Policy
[email protected] This publication is compiled solely for the purpose of providing readers with information and is in no way meant to encourage readers to buy or sell financial instruments. Although this publication is compiled on the basis of sources which Mizuho Research Institute Ltd. (MHRI) believes to be reliable and correct, MHRI does not warrant its accuracy and certainty. Readers are requested to exercise their own judgment in the use of this publication. Please also note that the contents of this publication may be subject to change without prior notice. 1. The census recorded Japan’s first population decline since World War II The total population of Japan in 2015 was 127.11 million, representing the first decline since World War II (Chart 1).